Perception of Local Communities on the Performance of China-backed Infrastructure Projects: A Case Study of Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway

Abstract

The contentious performance output of China-backed infrastructure projects in Kenya has ignited numerous inquisitions. This study sought to ascertain the aggregate attitude of local communities on the performance output of Kenya’s SGR. The discrepancy between the rhetoric and reality of the performance of SGR remains a mystery, hindering the necessary policy adjustments, such as local content requirements and technology transfer schemes. A descriptive case study research design was adopted to gain in-depth insights into SGR performance, particularly in terms of technology transfer and the utilization of local resources, as perceived by the local communities. The study established mixed reactions among local communities on the performance of SGR with respect to these two domains. Particularly, the study found that whereas the local community perceived that Afristar has, to some extent, transferred technology to the locals, with mostly soft skills being transferred and Chinese still providing technical support and controlling SGR operation, the study revealed that through training, labour mobility, and exchange studies, technology transfer had been achieved. However, the study established concerns over technology transfer. Hence, local communities deemed technology transfer as a perennial or quick fix to institutionalizing SGR technology in Kenya, rather than a long-term solution. Also, the study revealed that, while there is a difference in how local human resource is utilized under KRC and Afristar, local communities exhibited optimism in human resource utility, but a negative perception of the material resource utilization due to an imbalance between SGR repair and maintenance materials locally sourced and procured from China. Taken as a whole, the study concludes that there is a linkage between the local communities’ perception and the performance of the SGR, as its operational output depends on locally available technology and skills in railway engineering, such as detection of integrated dispatching equipment, and human and material resources for sustainable and efficient management. This study recommends KRC to fully implement the local content bill 2023 by reviewing its employment and skill development plan, transfer of technology plan, and its local content performance reporting in the SGR operation. The study also calls for a rethink of the KRC legal and institutional framework. Generally, there is a need for increased integration of local-national agencies in Sino-Kenya infrastructure engagement to optimize these projects’ performance output. Further, academic inquiry can be conducted on economies of anticipation in local communities awaiting SGR extension from Naivasha to Malaba, as well as a comparative study on the complexity of institutionalizing technology transfer and local sourcing as performance indices of China-backed infrastructure projects.